Where is the best place to stay in Cornwall?
By Sylvie Simpson. May 06, 2024
Cornwall is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK, and it welcomes 5 million visitors each year. The country is famous for its stunning white sand beaches, delicious cuisine and beautiful villages. Many people visit one destination in Cornwall, but there are so many places to see either on a multi-centre holiday or on day trips!
Although Cornwall is located in the remote southwest corner of the UK, there are many different areas to stay, from large tourist towns to quaint fishing villages. If you’ve always dreamed of staying in a fishing village, you will love to stay in the picturesque villages of St Mawes, Mevagissey or Fowey.
We recommend St Ives, Falmouth and Newquay for a beach holiday like no other. Each town is unique and perfect for a stay with kids. St Ives has some of the UK’s best beaches, many independent shops and a booming arts scene; Newquay has many budget options and is famous for surfing. Falmouth also has a great arts scene and many stunning beaches. Stay in the cornish seaside towns of Fowey or Penzance for a bit of both, plus access to excellent transport links.If you are interested in where to stay in Cornwall, you may also be interested in where to stay in Bath, where to stay in Brighton, where to stay in York and where to stay in London.
Best towns to stay in Cornwall
Newquay
Newquay is one of the best destinations for families, groups of friends, and beachgoers, especially if you’re a surfer or are looking to learn to surf. It is also the best destination in Cornwall for budget travellers, with plenty of luxury stays. Newquay has excellent transport links to explore other areas of Cornwall, and it’s home to Newquay Airport—the only airport in Cornwall.
Newquay is home to 12 stunning beaches stretching for 7 miles where you can enjoy sunbathing, surfing, swimming and adventure activities like climbing, coasteering and paddleboarding. Many of the main tourist attractions in Cornwall, especially those catering to families, are nearby Newquay, including Dairyland, Lappa Valley, Newquay Zoo, and the Blue Reef Aquarium.
The town also has a budding nightlife with some of the best clubs in Cornwall. Each year, the Boardmasters Festival, one of the biggest in the UK, is hosted in Newquay.
St. Ives
St Ives is the jewel in the crown of Cornwall and suitable for all traveller types, whether you’re a couple looking for the perfect honeymoon destination or you’re searching for the ideal place for a family holiday or a surf trip.
The main draw of St Ives is its stunning beaches. Porthminster is like a tropical paradise backed by palm trees, crystal clear waters, and soft white sand. Porthmeor is another famous beach, especially with surfers, and it has plenty of rocks for rock climbing and fishing.St Ives is also famous for its art scene. The renowned Tate Gallery and St Ives Art School overlook Porthmeor Beach. Nearby, you can explore The Barbara Hepworth Museum, which celebrates the legacy of one of Britain’s most famous sculptors.
In addition to beaches, St Ives boasts fantastic restaurants and takeaways that serve fresh seafood and delicious Cornish pasties. Be sure to visit Fore Street, where various independent shops offer unique local goods and crafts.
St Austell
St Austell, a market town in central Cornwall, is famous for its rich clay mining history and coastal scenery. A stay in St Austell is perfect for exploring Cornwall, especially for couples and solo travellers.
Nearby are the quaint fishing villages of Charleston, Mevagissey, and Fowey. St. Austell is also an excellent location to explore some of Cornwall’s best attractions. It’s the gateway to the world-famous Eden Project, a huge botanical garden housed in biomes that recreate hotter climates from around the world. The Lost Gardens of Heligan, with its beautifully restored Victorian gardens, is another must-visit attraction.St Austell’s town centre boasts an array of shops, traditional pubs, and cafes, perfect for a day of exploring local flavours and crafts. It’s a more local atmosphere away from the holiday crowds.
Beach-wise, the nearby St Austell Bay area has some beautiful stretches like Porthpean and Carlyon Bay, ideal for families and water sports lovers.
Falmouth
Falmouth, located on Cornwall’s east coast, is famous for its large natural harbour, maritime heritage, arts scene and pristine beaches. It’s the perfect place to base yourself if you’re interested in art, beaches or exploring the Roseland Peninsula.
To learn about history, visit the National Maritime Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and sweeping views of the harbour. Nearby, the town centre is lined with independent shops, art galleries, and eateries serving fresh seafood and local delicacies. If you’re looking for beaches, Falmouth provides access to stunning beaches such as Gyllyngvase and Swanpool, which are popular for their sandy shores and water sports. The surrounding countryside and coastal paths offer scenic walks with picturesque sea views.
Falmouth is also the perfect place to base yourself on exploring the Roseland peninsula, known for its rugged coastline, secluded coves, and rolling countryside. There are regular boat services to St Mawes from Falmouth harbour.
Penzance
Penzance is the best area to stay if you plan to explore the far southwest of Cornwall, including the town of St Just, the picturesque village of Sennen, and nearby St Michaels Mount, backed by Marizion Beach. It’s perfect for solo travellers, groups of friends and couples.
The town has a more local atmosphere and plenty of transport links. Buses take you to nearby villages like Mousehole and Porthleven, while Penzance train station whisks you across Cornwall and even has a Night Riviera Sleeper train back to London.
In Penzance, you can visit Penlee House and Museum, which has historical exhibits and an extensive art collection. Make sure you also visit Penzance Promenade, home to the Jubilee Pool, which is filled with seawater (there’s also a heated section). Culturally, Penzance comes alive with various festivals, including the famous Golowan Festival. This traditional midsummer celebration features music, parades, and bonfires.
St Mawes
Located at the tip of the Roseland Peninsula, St Mawes is a picturesque fishing village. It’s the perfect place for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
The village features traditional Cornish architecture, boutique shops, and fantastic restaurants. It’s home to the well-preserved St Mawes Castle, one of Henry VIII’s coastal fortresses. Once there, you’ll have panoramic views across the Fal Estuary. On the Fal Estuary, you can enjoy scenic boat and fishing trips or watersports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Enjoy scenic walks along the nearby coastline, the village’s cosy dining spots, and quiet moments on some of Cornwall’s most secluded beaches. Make sure you visit St Just in Roseland Church, known for its beautiful setting in lush gardens by the water. St. Mawes has a regular boat service to the nearby town of Falmouth and easy access to Truro.
Fowey
Fowey (pronounced ‘Foy’) captivates with its quaint streets and historical charm. It’s the perfect place for exploring the outdoors, and popular with families and older travellers. Wander down the narrow lanes, dip in and out of independent shops, and savour meals with a view. Make sure you try the ‘Hall Walk,’ a hiking trail with stunning harbour views. It’s a circular walk that includes a ferry crossing. Make sure you also catch the ferry to the beautiful village of Polruan.
Fowey has a long literary heritage. It was once home to famed author Daphne du Maurier, and the annual literary festival here breathes life into her legacy.
If you’re drawn to the water, Fowey’s deep-water harbour has plenty of opportunities for sailing and kayaking. You can also explore the area by guided riverboat. Beachwise, you can enjoy the nearby Readymoney Cove, which is perfect for families.
Mevagissey
Mevagissey is perfect for older travellers, families and couples. Enjoy a relaxed pace of life in a working fishing village that retains a sense of the past with its cobbled streets, quaint cottages, and historic harbour. The village also has easy access to St Austell and central Cornwall.
The Mevagissey Aquarium and the Railway Museum are perfect for families. You can also visit the maritime heritage at the Mevagissey Museum in a converted boat builder’s shed right on the harbour. Mevagissey’s harbour is active with fishing boats, and you can buy the day’s catch directly from local fishmongers or dine at waterfront restaurants. Enjoy a ride on Mevagissey Rib Rides and enjoy one of several boat trips.
Mevagissey is easily accessible to St Austell, where you can visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Eden Project.
Our recommended hotels in Cornwall
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in CornwallNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
